London: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, French-American actress Julie Delpy and Abba star Bjorn Ulvaeus were among some 140 European celebrities who signed a "love letter to the British people" yesterday.

Arsene Wenger

The letter, also signed by former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and film director Paul Verhoeven, voices the hope that Britons will vote to stay in the European Union.

"It is not just treaties that join us to your country but bonds of admiration and affection. All of us hope that you will vote to renew them," said the letter.

French star Christopher Lambert and actress Isabella Rossellini were also among the signatories. "It is your decision, and we will accept it. If it will help the undecided to make up their minds, we would like to express how very much we value having the United Kingdom in the European Union," the letter stated.